James Robert "Jim" Bruce, age 74, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital. Jim was born on August 22, 1950, the son of James William and Wilma (Simpson) Bruce. He was raised in the Villisca and Stennett areas and graduated from the Villisca High School. Jim then served in the United States Air Force and later the Iowa Army National Guard. While in the Air Force, he served in Germany during the Vietnam era. Jim was an aircraft mechanic. He was united in marriage to Marlene Dukes and one child was born to this union: James R. Bruce, Jr. Jim later married Julie Richardson, and two children were born to this union: John and Tammy. Over the years, Jim worked as a paid fireman for the City of Red Oak, Eveready Battery until it closed, and retired from the Red Oak Greenhouse where he was a mechanic. He loved tinkering and fixing things, working on his tractor, and his many cats.

Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant brother; and 2 sisters: Gladis Ann Rine and Mildred "Millie" Strahathan. Survivors include his children: James R. Bruce, Jr. of Villisca, Iowa; John Bruce and wife Kelsi of Villisca, Iowa; and Tammy Michael and husband John of Monett, Missouri; grandchildren: Kaitlyn Bruce of Glenwood, Iowa; Ethan, Jordan, and Brayton Bruce of Villisca, Iowa; Allison and Mason Michael of Monett, Missouri; and Aunalee and Jesse Bruce of Villisca, Iowa; great grandchildren: Garrett Deiber of Glenwood, Iowa and Crew Bruce of Villisca, Iowa; sisters: Vivian Helton of Waynesville, Missouri, and Cheryl Wilkes of Blue Springs, Missouri; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, June 30, 2025, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the funeral.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.